Banff, AB – It’s raining heavily, it’s 3 a.m. and an emergency responder is banging on your front door telling you to ‘evacuate’.
Are you ready?
May 3 to 9 is national Emergency Preparedness Week, and the Town of Banff is reminding all residents that emergencies can happen at any time.
“Our neighbours and colleagues in Canmore had only hours to evacuate during the 2013 floods,” said Fire Chief Silvio Adamo. “You never know when you might need to grab and go. You should have your kit ready.”
For a handy list on what to pack, check the town’s website, banff.ca/emergency. The section also contains valuable information on how and what to do in an emergency, pet safety and what will happen in case you get that knock on the door.
This year, the Town has invited more than 900 residents living near the rail line to an informative session on preparing for a rail-related emergency. Chief Adamo will explain how to prepare for an emergency, how to self-evacuate, how responders will contact residents and how to shelter in place. The session will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6 at Banff Elementary School gymnasium.
“In the past few years, Banff has experienced overland flooding, mudslides on the highway, a small earthquake and a train derailment,” said Adamo. “Luckily, our residents and visitors were not severely impacted, but it reminds us that disaster can strike at any time.”
For more information on emergency preparedness, visit banff.ca/emergency.